Natural disasters like earthquakes, Tsunamis, and hurricanes often strike with little or no warning. While humans have developed sophisticated technology to detect changes in weather patterns and seismic activity, dogs have an innate ability to sense such events before time.
Several dog breeds are known for their protective instincts and potential to guard during natural disasters. Usually, the breeds that have intelligence, alertness, and loyalty are ideal to work as watchdogs and inform about potential dangers.
Their keen senses allow them to detect subtle changes in the environment. There have been numerous instances of dogs exhibiting unusual and anxious behavior before earthquakes, such as whining, barking, pacing, and panting.
Here are the top 10 dog breeds that guard during natural disasters.
Dog Breeds That Stand Guard During Natural Disasters
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherds stand out due to their courage, loyalty, and protective instincts. They are intelligent and versatile dogs that possess strong work ethics. They have been working as military and police dogs for several decades.
GSDs are known for their quick response and strategic thinking. These traits make them dependable partners in crisis situations, offering both physical and emotional support. They can be easily trained to enter burning buildings and jump into flooded rivers.
German Shepherds also make fantastic guard dogs. They bark loudly to inform their handlers about the potential danger and can deter intruders with their mere presence.
2. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are popular among dog lovers due to their protective instincts and unwavering loyalty. Their muscular build, alert nature, and suspiciousness towards unfamiliar faces make them wonderful guard dogs.
Rotties are ever-ready to defend their families in times of crisis. They are affectionate towards their owners and will go to any extent to protect them. Their confident and reliable nature makes them trustworthy during natural disasters.
These sturdy dogs remain calm under pressure and are brave enough to face all sorts of danger. According to PDSA, Rotties need around two hours of daily exercise to stay healthy.
3. Doberman Pinscher
The Doberman Pinscher is another breed well-suited for military and police work, and search and rescue operations. These intelligent dogs are known for their keen senses, alert nature, and strong protective instincts.
Dobermans make loyal companions and excellent watchdogs. They are capable of analyzing situations quickly and acting decisively. These traits make Dobermans invaluable during emergencies. They always safeguard their family and provide a sense of security.
They serve as great protection and guard dogs. These highly energetic dogs require around two hours of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
4. Giant Schnauzer
During natural disasters, the Giant Schnauzer rises to face the danger like few others. Its natural alertness and powerful frame make it an unshakable presence in natural disasters, instinctively guarding loved ones and property even when the world outside feels unstable.
Calm under pressure and loyal to the bone, this dog doesn’t just protect, it reassures. Their physique makes them well-suited for working in natural disasters. The American Kennel Club describes Giant Schnauzers as alert, loyal, and trainable dogs.
Giant Schnauzers are known for their strong work ethic and bold nature. These persistent dogs have excellent tracking abilities, which is why they assist in detecting bombs and narcotics. They also help to find people who go missing during natural disasters.
They are naturally wary of strangers and make excellent guard dogs. When required, Giant Schnauzers can act aggressively. These keen fellows react quickly to situations.
5. Akita
Akitas are the massive dogs that take their role as guard dogs quite seriously. Akitas are quiet by nature and tend to be a bit wary of strangers. They are the muscular Spitz-type dogs standing 24–28 inches tall at the shoulder.
Akitas are known for their protective nature. They are loyal and devoted to their families and form strong bonds with them. Their independent thinking and sturdy build make them perfect for assisting their humans in times of disaster.
Due to their alert nature, they can sense seismic activity before it happens. They should be properly trained and socialized from early childhood to behave well around people.
6. Great Pyrenees
The Great Pyrenees is a giant dog breed that was originally bred to guard livestock. These calm canines have a Zen-like charm and make excellent guardians. The Pyrenees are alert dogs with an independent nature. Their gentle demeanor allows them to stay composed during a crisis.
Their large size and strong protective instincts make them invaluable in disastrous situations. Apart from physical support, Great Pyrenees also provide emotional support to stressed individuals. These mellow fellows enjoy roaming outside, but are not overly active.
Great Pyrenees also make wonderful search and rescue dogs. They may have a stubborn streak, which can make training a bit challenging, explains PetMD.
7. Kuvasz
Adjectives like imposing, majestic, and mighty best describe this breed. Kuvaszoks are snow-white livestock guardians known for their profoundly loyal nature. Their protective instincts and wariness towards strangers make them excellent guard dogs.
Their capability to think independently allows them to make the right decisions during times of stress. Kuvs can be fierce when it comes to protecting their loved ones. They can even face down large predators like mountain lions.
Their strong will and confident nature enable them to do well during a natural disaster. They need an outlet for energy and thrive when given a purpose in life.
8. Leonberger
Leonbergers are powerful dogs known for their aristocratic grace and elegance. Their protective nature comes with their large size. They use their deep, loud bark to alert their owners about the potential danger, but they are not excessive barkers.
They have plenty of energy and are eager to please, which means they can be easily trained to help their humans during an unexpected crisis. These avid swimmers love water, making them suitable for water-related search and rescue operations.
Leonbergers have a friendly disposition and form strong bonds with their owners. They cannot be left alone for extended periods as they are prone to separation anxiety.
9. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are medium-sized dogs that are agile, intelligent, and deeply bonded to their people; they won’t hesitate to navigate debris or danger to keep the family safe. They are always at the forefront in the face of danger.
Their sharp instincts and tireless energy turn panic into purpose; they’re not just survivors, they’re protectors. Due to their relatively small size, they can get into tighter spaces that are hard to reach.
In the past few decades, Mals have gained a lot of popularity as military dogs. They have also been playing roles as search and rescue dogs. They have a moderately affectionate and friendly personality. They form strong bonds with their owners and are very protective of them.
Mals are high-energy dogs who need plenty of exercise to stay happy and content. They are well-suited for pet parents with an active lifestyle.
10. Cane Corso
Cane Corsos are the “gentle giants” that make excellent police dogs due to their imposing size and muscular build. They are loyal to their owners and wary of strangers, due to which they often serve as guard dogs.
Their robust build and strong protective instincts make them invaluable companions during natural disasters. However, extensive socialization and proper training in the presence of firm leadership are needed to train them.
Cane Corsos are intelligent and dignified dogs having an independent nature. These loving fellows can also provide emotional support during a crisis.
Conclusion
Dogs are man’s best companions who do not leave them alone, even in crisis. Several dog breeds stand guard during natural disasters and help humans in various rescue-related operations.
These dogs provide emotional and physical support to humans due to their intelligence, physique, gentle nature, and calm temperament. However, proper training is required to prepare them for assisting humans during such tasks.
